In college, I had a professor who ended each semester with the question: “What did you learn this year?” The class responses typically hit the high points of the curriculum. Only later did I realize that the professor used those responses to compose our final exam!
But the lesson learned is that looking back often tells us what is important to remember and carry forward into the future. So, thanks to those who have read this column each month in 2023, and now here we go ... “What did you learn this year?” (Unlike my college professor, there will be no final exam.)
We discussed many things this past year, from the key concerns of truck drivers in January to driving safely in icy conditions or along flooded roadways in February and May, from road rage in April to speeding in June. Along the way, we underscored the need to continually update federal forms in March, as well as continually exercise self-restraint in August. We urged awareness around athletic team buses in September and respect for crash responders in October. We even peeked at possible new technology in July.
See also: Coach drivers to meet emissions regulations, ESG goals
The topics changed, but one theme remained consistent throughout 2023: the need to be proactive.
Safety depends on fleet managers and truck drivers taking a proactive stance—whether that means drivers looking down the road at developing traffic or fleet managers reviewing last year’s road closures to better plan operations. Proactivity avoids surprises and knee-jerk reactions. It is stable and productive ... even if a bit predictable and devoid of the excitement of just “winging it.”
However, becoming proactive is not easy. It is built on planning and preparation. A proactive approach may involve changing as new information is uncovered and old routines must be adjusted. It always means reminding people what should be done before it must be done ... and few of us take kindly to reminders.
There will always be temptations to react, perhaps to that driver looking at his cell phone instead of the road or to the newest proposed trucking regulation. This column will instead continue to look forward and focus on how planning, preparation, and proactivity can help trucking become safer and more productive.
Thank you all for all the work you do to promote safety and be proactive!
Steve Vaughn is senior vice president of field operations at PrePass Safety Alliance, the provider of PrePass weigh station bypass and electronic toll-payment and management services. Vaughn served nearly three decades with the California Highway Patrol and is a past president of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance.
